Using Airshowers to Decrease Laboratory Animal Allergy
نویسنده
چکیده
The use of wet showers when entering an animal facility, especially barrier units, has been common practice for many years. The shower reinforces required changes of attire and removes skin microorganisms and allergens, thereby preventing infections inside the animal facility and the spread of allergens outside. Laboratory animal allergy is indeed one of the most common occupational health hazards in laboratory animal work. In recent years, increased focus on laboratory animal allergy has led to the development of various types of allergen-reducing equipment, such as allergy cabinets, laminar-air–flow cabins and curtains. To ensure effectiveness, such equipment must undergo validation (Gordon et al., 1997; Reeb-Whitaker et al., 1999; Gordon et al., 2001; Schweitzer et al., 2003; Krohn and Hansen, 2004; Krohn et al., 2006). Airshowers are used commonly in the electronics industry to prevent spread of interfering particles from personnel to products and in the pharmaceutical industry to prevent spread of pharmaceutically active chemical dust (for example, from production of hormones) beyond the workplace. In these applications, airshowers are effective, although the type of clothing is an important factor in affecting the efficacy (Whyte, 2001). Airshowers might similarly be used to reduce the spread of allergens from animal facilities and as airlocks to control facility access. However, the optimal shower time and air speeds for removing allergens from the clothing and uncovered areas (for example, hair and face) are currently unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of shower time, air speed, and fabric on the efficiency with which airshowering removes rodent allergens from clothing.
منابع مشابه
Mechanism and epidemiology of laboratory animal allergy.
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تاریخ انتشار 2008